escordvi | closed 🌠⚡ how do we rewrite the stars...

[It isn't even their first date and yet, she feels the jitters like it is. They've gone on several already, but somehow, this one feels different. Maybe it's the dress that she's picked out, with it being something that she has never worn outside of the fancy balls, even if she fits in with the rest of the people here. Or maybe it's the place. The Naughtilust isn't exactly somewhere she goes often, if ever. She can feel eyes on her as she wanders through the streets, winding her way through couples arm in arm. The area that they're in is, at least, one of the nicer ones compared to where they'd been before. A little less seedy and a little more classy, where the rich go for night life and entertainment.

Not that she's got a lot of money, but she can at least pretend that she is part of the socialites in their elegant gowns and pretty shoes for a night.

After confirming their meetup spot, Tifa runs her fingers over the front of her dress as she climbs up the stairs to the overlook, stars already shimmering in the sky above. With the sun having gone down, it's gotten quite busy, and so it takes her a moment to find him...

And when she does, she feels her breath catch at the way her heart suddenly and violently flutters, before she sneaks up behind him, knowing full well he'll pick up on her footsteps before she can even come close.]

Nice night, huh...

[When Tifa first told him she wanted to go out on a formal date, he had been agreeable to it even if attending "formal" locations was not something he participated in often. Even when it came to Society functions, he skipped any he could and made his presence minimal at best when he couldn't. But at least here and with Tifa it will be...comfortable. Enjoyable. More importantly, he would get to see Tifa dressed up, and while he wouldn't care if she wore a garbage bag, he can't help but look forward to it a little. A thought that when he realized he had it would make him laugh a little in self-deprecation. This meant that he would also try a bit more as well. He already acquired a few suits for previous occasions... But he decided he would try to do a little more for their date night.

So Tifa will find him leaning over the railing of the overlook, ignoring those that pass by or gather nearby. Dressed mostly in black he somewhat blends in with the night, especially with the long trench coat loosely draped over his shoulder. But that just makes his white hair stand out even more, and he will certainly hear her approach, a small smile forming before he straightens to half turn towards her, revealing the red vest and white shirt he wears...that he soon discovers happens to match her dress.

His eyes widen slightly upon realizing it, but really everything about her is captivating and for a moment he can only stand there before that smile returns warmer this time.]

Better now.

[He then takes her hand, deciding to play a little for this date.]

...You look beautiful, Tifa.

[With those words, he raises her hand to his lips to lightly brush his lips against the back, kissing it.]

[She might not have recognized him if it were not for the hair or the ears. When he turns to face her and her eyes immediately take him in, she feels her breath catch. He is handsome any day of the week, and it's not as if it's the first time that she has seen him dressed in something like this, but there really is something about tonight that just makes everything seem so much more magical. No... he is just always handsome, she thinks, no matter what he is in.

She reins her thoughts back as he steps towards her, and she can see the way his own gaze drinks her in, her cheeks flushing pink beneath the weight of it. And yes, she's also noticed that they match, which is why she giggles before he reaches her. Funny how that happened when they didn't even plan it.]

And you...

[Her voice is airy and giddy when he takes her hand and lifts it to his lips. What a gentleman... even if she knows he's playing into it a little more than usual. She, admittedly, enjoys it.]

You look handsome, Eustace.

[She curtsies, but immediately feels embarrassed about it and straightens.]

[There's a shine in his eyes, one that has only existed since he's developed those feelings for her. One of love and adoration, of a growing devotion that deepens everytime his heart pounds in those moments where something about her catches his attention and stirs those emotions. It makes his smile softer, his fingertips squeezing hers gently as he tugs her a little closer.]

I hoped it would be suitable, but I didn't think it would match so well.

When I thought about getting something to match, I didn't think the universe would take it so literally.

[She leans close to him as she steps right up, her body pressed flush to his, close enough that she can feel his warmth blossoming across her own skin.]

You didn't happen to catch a peek at my dress ahead of time, did you?

I didn't.

[A soft, quiet laugh as he holds her close, but careful so that he doesn't wrinkle her dress.]

I wasn't sure what color to go with... I thought black and white would have been too...simple, so I had some help at the tailor.

[A small pause.]

They asked what color your eyes were.

Oh.

[If she wasn't blushing furiously before, then she certainly is now.]

I... Well, looks like they nailed it pretty good, huh...? And it looks really good on you, too.

[He had been a little uncertain, but seeing her blush as deeply as she is made it all worth.]

So you like it?

[Oh now he's definitely being a wolf teasing her.]

[She reaches up with a hand and adjusts the collar of his shirt, straightening what is already meticulously straight.]

I do. I think you look like a dashing pirate prince.

A dashing pirate prince?

[Just a slight raise of the brow as he didn't expect to hear something like that.]

Yes?

[Said as if it's the most obvious thing in the world, as she bites back a smile.]

You're not just a regular prince. Or... my apologies. Are you a king?

[A small huff of laughter as he shakes his head.]

Not a chance. I just wouldn't really call myself any kind of royalty.

[And then a smirk.]

Just a pirate.

Could've fooled me. You definitely look the part.

[Her hand slides down his front, fingers running along the lapel of his coat before she finds his hand.]

But come on. I wanna show you the place I found.

Maybe that's the point.

[But he just continues to smile warmly before his fingers entwine with hers.]

But all right, lead the way.

It's not far from here. About a block down the road on the way down.

[Her fingers give his a squeeze, and before they leave, she leans up to steal a kiss from him first, soft and tender and sweet, leaving behind a tingling feeling when she pulls back to smile against his lips.]

I mean it though, I really like this.

[And then she's twirling around to try and lead the way before he gets the chance to steal a kiss—]

Edited 2025-07-08 05:39 (UTC)

[He should have expected it, but he's surprised all the same, and with that little twirl it leaves him to only stare at the back at her head for a moment before he smiles, following alongside her. He'll get her back soon enough.]

I like your dress, too. Almost makes me wish no one else could see it.

But then what would be the point in wearing it?

[She tugs him along at first before she allows him to fall into step beside her, the two of them walking evenly away from the overlook.

But they won't have to go far, just like she said. It is about a block down the road, with a bit of a decline in the street to get there. It's hidden away in an alley, not exactly the sort of place he'd think she would be taking him, nor a place that would be "safe" on a leviathan like this. But given the area that they are in, it's perfectly fine, and as they approach the large double doors, he'll hear both the sound of laughter and conversation as well as a piano playing from the other side.]

I've heard really good things about this one.

[When the bearfolk opens the door for them, they're met with a dimly lit restaurant and bar decorated with dark mahoganys and red silks, with chandeliers hanging overhead to cast the entire place in a warm light. It's crowded, but not too crowded—enough that it makes for an obviously well-loved establishment. Up on the stage at the other end, there is a catfolk woman singing into the microphone, her voice like velvet alongside the piano.]

What's wrong with just leaving it just for me?

[He jests...mostly. He may or may not shoot the odd cold glare at anyone that looks at her longer than they should—but fortunately there are more couples around than not around this area.

But he is a little surprised by the direction she leads him, expecting a more open restaurant than one tucked away like this. This feeling continues as they enter and he takes in the interior. It's...classic, honestly. Something that despite the more luxurious feel reminds him of a few of the restaurants of his own world and for a moment he feels a little nostalgic.

As they reach the front, the receptionist asks if they have a reservation before guiding them to the a small table for two in a quieter corner and with a good view of the stage.]

A little different than what I expected... But it's nice.

[She has to tuck her dress beneath her as she sits, her eyes scanning the room in awe for the first time.

On the table, there is a small candle at the center, as well as some red roses that match the rest of the décor, and even golden utensils wrapped fancily in napkins. Definitely not her own taste on any other day, but tonight is special—she wanted to experience something new with him and this is about as new and different as it gets from her everyday life on Eltrut, and even in Midgar before.]

Oh? Now I'm curious about what you were expecting.

[He's hanging his jacket behind his chair (revealing that his shirt and vest are indeed mostly backless) and loosening the cuffs on his sleeves so he can roll them up a little to make it easier to eat. But at her question he just smiles a little.]

You had said formal... Guess I was thinking some more like those five star luxury restaurants. Not that this one isn't, but it also feels... Comfortable, yet classy.

[She doesn't even try to hide the way that her gaze lingers on him, admiring him quietly as he removes his jacket and rolls up his sleeves.]

Thought about that, but... even then, I didn't think it fit the vibe for either of us. That, and a lot of them were on Elah, from the sounds of it.

[She pauses to take another look around.]

I think this suits us better.

[While still being fancy. They blend in like they belong here, and her dress isn't even the fanciest one!]

I agree. I don't think I"d feel as comfortable if we went to a true high end restaurant like those on Elah.

[A wry grin before he looks down at the menus in front of them.]

Should I leave it to you to choose the drinks?

[Miss Bartender.]

Me? Well...

[She rests her elbow on the table, chin in her hand, and she leans over.]

Depends. What are you in the mood for?

Hmm... Thinking a whiskey, maybe a bourbon.

A bourbon, huh?

[She glances over to the bar, and then holds up a finger at Eustace.]

I'll be right back, let me go see what the bartender's got.

[Because everything has a different name here, and she isn't about to get him just any old drink.]

💞

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject